Chicago Bears Eye Day 2 Targets in 2026 NFL Draft After Thieneman Pick
After landing Dillon Thieneman in Round 1, the Chicago Bears turn to key Day 2 targets in the 2026 NFL Draft to continue building the roster.
The Chicago Bears couldn’t have scripted a better start to the 2026 NFL Draft.
Landing former Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman at No. 25 overall felt like a grand slam. It's the kind of value that rarely falls into your lap. Entering draft night, Thieneman was widely viewed as a top-20 lock. But as the NFL Draft always proves, boards break unpredictably.
This time, the chaos worked in Chicago’s favor.
The Bears walked away with a plug-and-play starter who offers elite athletic traits and the kind of versatility that defensive coordinators build around. Thieneman isn’t just a need-fill. He’s a foundational piece for the defense moving forward.
But Round 1 is over. And in the NFL Draft, momentum only matters if you capitalize on it.
With Day 2 approaching, general manager Ryan Poles shifts his focus to maximizing three critical picks: two in Round 2 and one in Round 3. If Chicago wants to turn a strong start into a complete draft haul, Friday night is critical.
Here are five prospects who would elevate the Bears’ roster on Day 2:
Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
If the Bears want to fix their run defense, this is the kind of player they need.
McDonald (6-foot-2, 326 pounds) brings immediate size and strength to the interior, something Chicago lacked throughout 2025. A First-Team All-American, he profiles as a two-down force with upside to develop into more.
Pairing McDonald with Thieneman’s discipline and tackling ability on the back end would go a long way toward correcting one of the league’s worst run defenses.
T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
Chicago can’t leave Day 2 without addressing the pass rush.
Parker offers first-round talent at a potential second-round price. His 11-sack breakout in 2024 put him on a top-10 trajectory before a dip to five sacks in 2025 cooled the hype.
If Poles is aggressive — possibly even trading up — Parker has the tools to become one of the best value picks in the entire draft.
Zion Young, Edge, Missouri
If the Bears want to add power and length off the edge, Young fits the profile.
He finished 2025 with 6.5 sacks and brings the kind of size and physicality that aligns with what Dennis Allen has historically preferred. He’s a well-rounded three-down defender who could have a similar pro career to Montez Sweat.
Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
Center quietly became one of the Bears’ biggest needs after Drew Dalman’s unexpected retirement.
While Garret Bradbury provides a short-term answer, Chicago still needs a long-term solution. Hecht may be it.
Widely considered one of the top centers in the class, he offers strong run-blocking ability and positional intelligence. Even if he begins as a backup, he has the tools to take over sooner rather than later.
Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois
Yes, edge rusher again, and for good reason.
Jacas checks multiple boxes: local product, proven production (11 sacks in 2025), and a relentless motor. He’d step into a rotation immediately and provide depth with upside alongside Sweat.
Day 2 Will Define The Chicago Bears' 2026 Draft
The Bears already landed a potential cornerstone in Thieneman. Now comes the hard part: building around him.
If Poles hits on even two of these Day 2 selections, Chicago’s roster could take a significant leap forward heading into the 2026 season.
The opportunity is there. Now it’s about execution.
